Gertrude ‘Gertie’ Farmer

March 18, 1932 ~ September 13, 2019

With tear filled eyes, the family of Gertie Farmer announce her peaceful passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Friday, September 13, 2019, at the age of 87 years. She is survived by her loving husband, Ralph and their children, Sheryl Farmer and Grant (Monika) Farmer. Also left to cherish Gertie’s memory are her three wonderful granddaughters, Julia Farmer-Jordan of Calgary, Jayda (Steve) Martens of Calgary and Jessa (Tyler) Weimer of Medicine Hat; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John (Anne) Farmer, Clifford (Mary) Poehlman and Dorothy Farmer all of Michigan, U.S.A. as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gertie was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Mary Reimchen as well as two brothers and one sister.
Gertie was born on March 18, 1932, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. At a young age she gave her heart to her loving Saviour and dedicated her whole life to sharing Christ’s love to others. It was in 1952, while attending Pacific Bible College in Portland, Oregon that she met her future husband, Ralph Farmer. They were married in Wetaskiwin on August 6, 1954, and just recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
From 1954 until 1959, Ralph and Gertie worked in pastoral ministry in Oregon, USA and British Columbia, Canada. Their first desire was to go to Africa as missionaries and in 1959, they landed in Kenya, East Africa. From there they traveled to Mbulu, Tanzania where they chose to establish a mission centre. It was there, at Mbulu, where Gertie was able to fulfill her life long dream of sharing Christ’s love with people of many tribes. She was greatly involved in the women’s ministry, teaching God’s word, sewing and knitting classes as well as translating songs from English to the native language of Kiswahili.
Gertie was a teacher at the Bible school, choir director as well as pianist for Sunday’s and special events at numerous churches throughout Tanzania which Gertie and Ralph, as missionaries, established. She also taught her children, Sheryl and Grant their primary years of school via correspondence through Edmonton, Alberta.
When Gertie was born, her mother, Mary Reimchen, dedicated her to God for mission service without telling her of that dedication until Gertie herself told her mother of her desire to be a missionary. Gertie truly gave of her whole life to God’s work, spending 13 years in Africa and the rest of her years in pastoral and evangelistic work both in Canada and USA.
Gertie’s talents included playing piano, organ and the accordion. She had a wonderful voice for singing and in her latter years loved to play gospel music of which she had many CD’s. Gertie was very artistic and had a love for oil painting, especially in her younger years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Best, Dr. Nielson and the staff on 4 West at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for all of the care and support they provided to Gertie.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed dearly.
What earth has lost, heaven has gained. Gertie has served her Lord faithfully and will rest in heaven’s glory eternally, free from pain and suffering. When God gave us her, He gave us the very best.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 1:55 p.m. A Celebration of Gertie’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with the interment thereafter at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)
Honoured to serve the family is

• Date : 2019-09-13
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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